Bicycle rim printing apparatus and printing method of printing non-contact printed deposit on annular rim body

ABSTRACT

A bicycle rim printing apparatus comprises a non-contact printer to print a non-contact printed deposit to an annular rim body, a rim holder to hold the annular rim body, and a rotational actuator to rotate the rim holder relative to the non-contact printer about a rotational axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of the U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/457,939 filed Mar. 13, 2017. The contents ofthis application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle rim printing apparatus and aprinting method of printing a non-contact printed deposit on an annularrim body.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular faint of recreationas well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become avery popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals.Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation orcompetition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the variouscomponents of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has beenextensively redesigned is a rim.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclerim printing apparatus comprises a non-contact printer to print anon-contact printed deposit to an annular rim body, a rim holder to holdthe annular rim body, and a rotational actuator to rotate the rim holderrelative to the non-contact printer about a rotational axis.

With the bicycle rim printing apparatus according to the first aspect,it is possible to improve design of the annular rim body even when theannular rim body includes a curved surface having a large curvaturebecause it is possible to print the first non-contact printed deposit onthe bicycle rim by rotating the annular rim body.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicyclerim printing apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises abase structure. The non-contact printer is attached to the basestructure to print the non-contact printed deposit to the annular rimbody.

With the bicycle rim printing apparatus according to the second aspect,it is possible to stabilize an orientation of the non-contact printerrelative to the annular rim body.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicyclerim printing apparatus according to the second aspect further comprisesa pivot structure pivotally coupling one of the rotational actuator andthe non-contact printer to the base structure about a pivot axisnon-parallel to the rotational axis.

With the bicycle rim printing apparatus according to the third aspect,the pivot structure allows the annular rim body and the non-contactprinter to be inclined relative to each other. This allows a non-contactprinted deposit to be easily printed on a curved surface of the annularrim body.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a printingmethod of printing a non-contact printed deposit on an annular rim bodycomprises rotating the annular rim body relative to a non-contactprinter about a rotational axis with a rotational actuator, and printingthe non-contact printed deposit to the annular rim body with thenon-contact printer during a rotational movement of the annular rimbody.

With the printing method according to the fourth aspect, it is possibleto improve design of the annular rim body even when the annular bodyincludes a curved surface having a large curvature because it ispossible to print the first non-contact printed deposit on the bicyclerim by inclining either the bicycle rim or a printer head.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the printingmethod according to the fourth aspect further comprises inclining one ofthe annular rim body and the non-contact printer relative to the otherof the annular rim body and the non-contact printer. The printing of thenon-contact printing deposit includes printing the non-contact printeddeposit to the annular rim body with the non-contact printer in a statewhere the annular rim body and the non-contact printer are inclinedrelative to each other.

With the printing method according to the fifth aspect, it is possibleto improve design of the annular rim body even when the annular rim bodyincludes a curved surface having a large curvature because it ispossible to print the first non-contact printed deposit on the bicyclerim by inclining either the bicycle rim or a printer head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle wheel including a bicyclerim in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle rim taken along lineII-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the bicycle rim illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is another side elevational view of the bicycle rim illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a bicycle rim printing apparatus in accordancewith the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bicycle rim printing apparatusillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is another side elevational view of the bicycle rim printingapparatus illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the bicycle rim printing apparatusillustrated in FIG. 5, with a rim holder inclined relative to a basestructure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle rim inclined relative toa non-contact printer of the bicycle rim printing apparatus illustratedin FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a printing method in accordance with thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle rim in accordance with amodification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle wheel assembly BW includes abicycle rim 10 in accordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle wheelassembly BW further includes a bicycle hub assembly BW1 and spokes BW2.The bicycle rim 10 is coupled to the bicycle hub assembly BW1 via thespokes BW2. A tire TR is attached to the bicycle rim 10. The bicycle rim10 has a rotational center axis A1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle rim 10 comprises a tire-attachmentportion 12, an inner peripheral portion 14, a first side portion 16, anda second side portion 18. The tire-attachment portion 12 has an annularshape. The tire TR (FIG. 1) is attached to the tire-attachment portion12. In this embodiment, the tire-attachment portion 12 includes a firstbrake contact part 20, a second brake contact part 22, a first beadflange 24, a second bead flange 26, and an outer ridge 28. The firstbrake contact part 20 includes a first brake contact surface 20A havingan annular shape defined about the rotational center axis A1. The secondbrake contact part 22 includes a second brake contact surface 22A havingan annular shape defined about the rotational center axis A1.Preferably, each of the first brake contact surface 20A and the secondbrake contact surface 22A is a flat surface. The first bead flange 24 isprovided at a radially outer end of the first brake contact part 20. Thesecond bead flange 26 is provided at a radially outer end of the secondbrake contact part 22. The outer ridge 28 is coupled to the first brakecontact part 20 and the second brake contact part 22.

The inner peripheral portion 14 is provided radially inwardly from thetire-attachment portion 12 with respect to the rotational center axis A1of the bicycle rim 10. As seen in FIG. 1, the inner peripheral portion14 has an annular shape. The inner peripheral portion 14 is coupled tothe spokes BW2. As seen in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral portion 14includes a spoke attachment opening 14A. In this embodiment, the innerperipheral portion 14 includes spoke attachment openings 14A throughwhich the spokes BW2 extend respectively.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first side portion 16 extends radially inwardlyfrom the tire-attachment portion 12 to the inner peripheral portion 14.The second side portion 18 extends radially inwardly from thetire-attachment portion 12 to the inner peripheral portion 14. Thesecond side portion 18 is at least partly provided on a reverse side ofthe first side portion 16 in an axial direction D1 with respect to therotational center axis A1. The tire-attachment portion 12, the innerperipheral portion 14, the first side portion 16, and the second sideportion 18 constitute the annular rim body 30. The annular rim body 30is made of a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or combinationthereof.

In this embodiment, the bicycle rim 10 is a clincher rim. However, thebicycle rim 10 can be other type of rim such as a tubular rim.Furthermore, the bicycle rim 10 is a hollow rim. The tire-attachmentportion 12, the inner peripheral portion 14, the first side portion 16,and the second side portion 18 define an annular interior space 31.However, the bicycle rim 10 can be a solid rim.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle rim 10 comprises a first non-contactprinted deposit 32 at least partly provided on the first side portion16. The first side portion 16 includes a first curved surface 16A. Thefirst non-contact printed deposit 32 is at least partly provided on thefirst curved surface 16A. For example, the first non-contact printeddeposit 32 includes at least one pigment. In this embodiment, the firstcurved surface 16A has a convex shape and extends from the first brakecontact surface 20A to the inner peripheral portion 14. However, thefirst curved surface 16A can have other shapes such as a concave shape.The first curved surface 16A is inclined relative to the first brakecontact surface 20A. The first side portion 16 can include anothersurface having other shapes such as a flat shape.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, each of the first side portion16, the first curved surface 16A, and the first non-contact printeddeposit 32 has an annular shape defined about the rotational center axisA1. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first non-contact printed deposit 32includes a first outer periphery 32A and a first inner periphery 32B.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first non-contact printed deposit 32 extends tothe inner peripheral portion 14. The first non-contact printed deposit32 extends to an axial center plane CP defined to bisect an axialmaximum width W1 of the bicycle rim 10 in the axial direction D1. Thefirst non-contact printed deposit 32 extends from the first brakecontact surface 20A to the inner peripheral portion 14 (the axial centerplane CP). The first non-contact printed deposit 32 does not reach theaxial center plane CP in this embodiment. However, the first non-contactprinted deposit 32 can reach the axial center plane CP.

A first tangential line TL1 is defined on the first curved surface 16Ain which the first non-contact printed deposit 32 is provided. A firstsurface angle TA1 is defined by the first tangential line TL1 and areference plane RP perpendicular to the rotational center axis A1. Inthis embodiment, the reference plane RP coincides with the axial centerplane CP. However, the reference plane RP can be offset parallel fromthe axial center plane CP. The first tangential line TL1 is defined onthe first inner periphery 32B. The first surface angle TA1 is largerthan 30 degrees. The first surface angle TA1 is equal to or larger than35 degrees. However, the first surface angle TA1 is not limited to thisembodiment.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first tangential line TL1 extends radiallyoutwardly from the rotational center axis A1 when viewed in the axialdirection D1. In other words, the first tangential line TL1 extends in aradial direction with respect to the rotational center axis A1. In thisembodiment, the first tangential line TL1 can be defined at anypositions on the first curved surface 16A since the first non-contactprinted deposit 32 has an annular shape.

A printing direction D21 of the first non-contact printed deposit 32 onthe first side portion 16 extends in a circumferential direction D3 withrespect to the rotational center axis A1. In this embodiment, the firstnon-contact printed deposit 32 is printed on the first side portion 16with a non-contact printer 42 (FIG. 5, described later) having a printerhead 46 (FIG. 5, described later). The printing direction D21 of thefirst non-contact printed deposit 32 can be identified by using a toolsuch as a microscope. For example, fine lines are formed along theprinting direction D21 on the first non-contact printed deposit 32.

In this embodiment, the first non-contact printed deposit 32 has a pixelcount equal to or larger than 200 dpi. The pixel count is equal to orsmaller than 2000 dpi. However, the pixel count of the first non-contactprinted deposit 32 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first non-contact printed deposit 32 forms at least one logo 34. Inthis embodiment, the first non-contact printed deposit 32 forms twologos 34 “ABC.” However, the at least one logo 34 can be omitted fromthe bicycle rim 10. The logo 34 is provided on the first curved surface16A. The logo 34 may extend from the first outer periphery 32A to thefirst inner periphery 32B.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle rim 10 further comprises a secondnon-contact printed deposit 36 provided on the second side portion 18.The second side portion 18 includes a second curved surface 18A. Thesecond non-contact printed deposit 36 is at least partly provided on thesecond curved surface 18A. For example, the second non-contact printeddeposit 36 includes at least one pigment. In this embodiment, the secondcurved surface 18A has a convex shape and extends from the second brakecontact surface 22A to the inner peripheral portion 14. However, thesecond curved surface 18A can have other shapes such as a concave shape.The second curved surface 18A is inclined relative to the second brakecontact surface 22A. The second side portion 18 can include anothersurface having other shapes such as a flat shape.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 4, each of the second side portion18, the second curved surface 18A, and the second non-contact printeddeposit 36 has an annular shape defined about the rotational center axisA1. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second non-contact printed deposit 36includes a second outer periphery 36A and a second inner periphery 36B.

As seen in FIG. 2, the second non-contact printed deposit 36 extends tothe inner peripheral portion 14. The second non-contact printed deposit36 extends to the axial center plane CP. The second non-contact printeddeposit 36 extends from the second brake contact surface 22A to theinner peripheral portion 14 (the axial center plane CP). In thisembodiment, the second non-contact printed deposit 36 is spaced apartfrom the first non-contact printed deposit 32. The second non-contactprinted deposit 36 does not reach the axial center plane CP. However,the second non-contact printed deposit 36 can be in contact with thefirst non-contact printed deposit 32 on the axial center plane CP. Thesecond non-contact printed deposit 36 can reach the axial center planeCP. The annular rim body 30 is symmetrical with respect to the axialcenter plane CP. However, the annular rim body 30 can be asymmetricalwith respect to the axial center plane CP.

A second tangential line TL2 is defined on the second curved surface 18Ain which the second non-contact printed deposit 36 is provided. A secondsurface angle TA2 is defined by the second tangential line TL2 and thereference plane RP. In this embodiment, the second tangential line TL2is defined on the second inner periphery 36B. The second surface angleTA2 is larger than 30 degrees. The second surface angle TA2 is equal toor larger than 35 degrees. However, the second surface angle TA2 is notlimited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 4, the second tangential line TL2 extends radiallyoutwardly from the rotational center axis A1 when viewed in the axialdirection D1. In this embodiment, the second tangential line TL2 can bedefined at any positions on the second curved surface 18A since thesecond non-contact printed deposit 36 has an annular shape.

A printing direction D22 of the second non-contact printed deposit 36 onthe second side portion 18 extends in the circumferential direction D3with respect to the rotational center axis A1. In this embodiment, thesecond non-contact printed deposit 36 is printed on the second sideportion 18 with the non-contact printer 42 (FIG. 5, described later)such as an inkjet printer having the printer head 46 (FIG. 5, describedlater). The printing direction D22 of the second non-contact printeddeposit 36 can be identified by using a tool such as a microscope. Forexample, fine lines are formed along the printing direction D22 on thesecond non-contact printed deposit 36.

In this embodiment, the second non-contact printed deposit 36 has apixel count equal to or larger than 200 dpi. The pixel count is equal toor smaller than 2000 dpi. However, the pixel count of the secondnon-contact printed deposit 36 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second non-contact printed deposit 36 forms at least one logo 38. Inthis embodiment, the second non-contact printed deposit 36 forms twologos 38 “ABC.” However, the at least one logo 38 can be omitted fromthe bicycle rim 10. The logo 38 is provided on the second curved surface18A. The logo 38 may extend from the second outer periphery 36A to thesecond inner periphery 36B.

As seen in FIG. 5, a bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 in accordancewith the first embodiment is illustrated. The bicycle rim printingapparatus 40 comprises the non-contact printer 42 to print a non-contactprinted deposit to the annular rim body 30. The non-contact printer 42is configured to print the first non-contact printed deposit 32 (FIG. 2)to the first side portion 16 of the annular rim body 30. The non-contactprinter 42 is configured to print the second non-contact printed deposit36 (FIG. 2) to the second side portion 18 of the annular rim body 30. Inthe bicycle rim printing apparatus 40, one of the first non-contactprinted deposit 32 and the second non-contact printed deposit 36 isprinted on one of the first side portion 16 and the second side portion18, and then the other of the first non-contact printed deposit 32 andthe second non-contact printed deposit 36 is printed on the other of thefirst side portion 16 and the second side portion 18.

In this embodiment, the non-contact printer 42 includes an inkjetprinter. Specifically, the non-contact printer 42 includes a printerhousing 44 and the printer head 46. The printer head 46 is provided inthe printer housing 44. Examples of the printer head 46 include aninkjet head. For example, the printer head 46 includes nozzles, inkcartridges, and an ink supplier. The nozzles are arranged to deposit inkon a surface of a target object such as the annular rim body 30. The inkcartridges are connected to the nozzles and stores ink. The ink suppliersupplies ink from the ink cartridges to the nozzles. Since the inkjetprinter has been known in the printer field, it will not be described indetail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 5, the bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 comprises a rimholder 52 to hold the annular rim body 30. The rim holder 52 has aholder body 53, a first holder 54, a second holder 56, and a thirdholder 58. The first holder 54 is threadedly engaged with the holderbody 53. The second holder 56 is threadedly engaged with the holder body53. The third holder 58 is threadedly engaged with the holder body 53.Tightening of at least one of the first to third holders 54 to 58fixedly couples the annular rim body 30 to the holder body 53. Thus, theannular rim body 30 is detachably held by the rim holder 52. Thestructure of the rim holder 52 is not limited to this embodiment.

The term “detachably held” or “detachably holding,” as used herein,encompasses configurations in which an element directly secured toanother element by directly affixing the element to the other elementwhile the element is detachable from the other element withoutsubstantial damage; and configurations in which the element isindirectly secured to the other element via intermediate member(s) whilethe element is detachable from the other element and the intermediatemember(s) without substantial damage. This concept also applies to wordsof similar meaning, for example, “detachably attached,” “detachablyjoined,” “detachably connected,” “detachably coupled,” “detachablymounted,” “detachably bonded,” “detachably fixed” and their derivatives.

As seen in FIG. 6, the bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 comprises arotational actuator 60 to rotate the rim holder 52 relative to thenon-contact printer 42 about a rotational axis A2. Examples of therotational actuator 60 include a stepper motor, an alternating current(AC) motor, and a direct current (DC) motor. In this embodiment, therotational actuator 60 includes the stepper motor. An output shaft ofthe rotational actuator 60 is coupled to the rim holder 52 (e.g., theholder body 53). A bearing (not shown) can be provided between therotational actuator 60 and the rim holder 52 to rotatably support therim holder 52 about the rotational axis A2.

The bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 further comprises a base structure62. The non-contact printer 42 is attached to the base structure 62 toprint the non-contact printed deposit to the annular rim body 30. Theprinter housing 44 of the non-contact printer 42 is secured to the basestructure 62. In this embodiment, the base structure 62 includes a base64 and a printer support 66. The printer support 66 extends upwardlyfrom the base 64. The printer housing 44 of the non-contact printer 42is secured to an upper end of the printer support 66.

As seen in FIG. 5, the bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 furthercomprises a pivot structure 68 pivotally coupling one of the rotationalactuator 60 and the non-contact printer 42 to the base structure 62about a pivot axis A3 non-parallel to the rotational axis A2. In thisembodiment, the pivot structure 68 pivotally couples the rotationalactuator 60 to the base structure 62 about the pivot axis A3. However,the pivot structure 68 can pivotally couple the non-contact printer 42to the base structure 62 about the pivot axis A3.

As seen in FIGS. 5 to 7, the pivot structure 68 includes a pivot base70, a first pivot arm 72, a second pivot arm 74, a first pivot shaft 76,and a second pivot shaft 78. The rotational actuator 60 is mounted onthe pivot base 70. The first pivot arm 72 extends from the pivot base70. The second pivot arm 74 extends from the pivot base 70 and is spacedapart from the first pivot arm 72 along the pivot axis A3.

The base structure 62 further includes a first pivot support 80 and asecond pivot support 82. The first pivot support 80 extends from thebase 64. The second pivot support 82 extends from the base 64 and isspaced apart from the first pivot support 80 along the pivot axis A3.The first pivot arm 72 is pivotally coupled to the first pivot support80 with the first pivot shaft 76. The second pivot arm 74 is pivotallycoupled to the second pivot support 82 with the second pivot shaft 78.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the first pivot shaft 76 issecured to the first pivot arm 72. The second pivot shaft 78 is securedto the second pivot arm 74. The first pivot support 80 includes a firstthrough-hole 80A. The second pivot support 82 includes a secondthrough-hole 82A. The first pivot shaft 76 is slidably provided in thefirst through-hole 80A. The second pivot shaft 78 is slidably providedin the second through-hole 82A.

As seen in FIG. 6, the bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 furthercomprises a position adjustment structure 84. The position adjustmentstructure 84 is configured to change a position of the one of therotational actuator 60 and the non-contact printer 42 relative to thebase structure 62. In this embodiment, the position adjustment structure84 is configured to change a position of the rotational actuator 60relative to the base structure 62.

The position adjustment structure 84 includes a worm drive structure. Inthis embodiment, the position adjustment structure 84 includes a wormwheel 86, a worm 88, and a handle 90. The worm wheel 86 is secured tothe first pivot shaft 76 to rotate along with the first pivot shaft 76and the pivot base 70 relative to the base structure 62. The worm 88 isrotatably supported by the base structure 62. The worm 88 is engagedwith the worm wheel 86. The worm 88 is rotatably supported by the basestructure 62 (e.g., the first pivot support 80). The handle 90 issecured to the worm 88 to rotate together.

As seen in FIG. 8, rotation of the handle 90 and the worm 88 rotates theworm wheel 86 about the pivot axis A3, changing a pivotal position ofthe pivot base 70 relative to the base structure 62. As seen in FIG. 9,this allows a user to change an angle of the first side portion 16 orthe second side portion 18 of the annular rim body 30 relative to thenon-contact printer 42. The non-contact printer 42 has a print referenceplane 42A. The printer head 46 (e.g., the nozzles) defines the printreference plane 42A in this embodiment. The position adjustmentstructure 84 allows the user to change a relative angle between theaxial center plane CP of the annular rim body 30 and the print referenceplane 42A of the non-contact printer 42. The position adjustmentstructure 84 keeps the pivotal position of the pivot base 70 relative tothe base structure 62 at an adjusted position with the worm wheel 86 andworm 88. The position adjustment structure 84 can include an electricactuator such as a motor.

As seen in FIG. 9, the non-contact printer 42 has a print area 42Bhaving a width larger than a radial width of each of the first sideportion 16 and the second side portion 18. Thus, the printer head 46 isstationary relative to the printer housing 44 in this embodiment.However, at least one of the printer head 46 and the rim holder 52 canbe moved relative to the base structure 62 in a radial direction (e.g.,a direction D4 illustrated in FIG. 5) with respect to the rotationalaxis A2 in a case where the width of the print area 42B is smaller thanthe radial width of each of the first side portion 16 and the secondside portion 18.

As seen in FIG. 6, the bicycle rim printing apparatus 40 furthercomprises a controller 92 electrically connected to the non-contactprinter 42 and the rotational actuator 60. In this embodiment, thecontroller 92 is electrically connected to the ink supplier of thenon-contact printer 42 to deposit ink on a target object based on atarget image. The controller 92 is electrically connected to therotational actuator 60 to rotate the rim holder 52 about the rotationalaxis A2 relative to the base structure 62.

The controller 92 includes a processor 92A, a memory 92B, and acommunication interface 92C. The processor 92A, the memory 92B, and thecommunication interface 92C are electrically mounted on a circuit board92D and electrically connected to each other with a bus 92E. Theprocessor 92A includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memorycontroller. The memory 92B is electrically connected to the processor92A. The memory 92B includes a read only memory (ROM) and arandom-access memory (RAM). The ROM includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The memory 92B includes storage areaseach having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 92Acontrols the memory 92B to store data in the storage areas of the memory92B and reads data from the storage areas of the memory 92B. The memory92B (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into theprocessor 92A, and thereby functions of the bicycle rim printingapparatus 40 is performed.

The memory 92B stores a target image to be printed on the annular rimbody 30. In this embodiment, the memory 92B stores a target imagecorresponding to each of the first non-contact printed deposit 32 andthe second non-contact printed deposit 36. The controller 92 controlsthe non-contact printer 42 to print the first non-contact printeddeposit 32 or the second non-contact printed deposit 36 on the annularrim body 30 based on the target image.

The controller 92 controls the rotational actuator 60 to rotate the rimholder 52 relative to the base structure 62 about the rotational axis A2in conjunction with a printing operation of the non-contact printer 42.In this embodiment, the controller 92 controls the rotational actuator60 to continuously rotate the rim holder 52 with a preset rotationalspeed by 360 degrees. The memory 92B stores the preset rotational speed.

A printing method of printing a non-contact printed deposit (e.g., thefirst non-contact printed deposit 32) on the annular rim body 30 will bedescribed in detail below referring to FIGS. 5 to 10.

As seen in FIG. 10, the printing method comprises holding the annularrim body 30 with the rim holder 52 (step S1). As seen in FIGS. 5 to 7,the annular rim body 30 is placed on the holder body 53 of the rimholder 52 and is held with the first to third holders 54 to 58 in thestep S1. The annular rim body 30 is held with the rim holder 52 tolocate the rotational center axis A1 of the annular rim body 30 in linewith the rotational axis A2 of the rotational actuator 60.

As seen in FIG. 10, the printing method further comprises inclining oneof the annular rim body 30 and the non-contact printer 42 relative tothe other of the annular rim body 30 and the non-contact printer 42(step S2). In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, the annular rim body30 is inclined relative to the non-contact printer 42 with the pivotstructure 68 and the position adjustment structure 84. As seen in FIG.9, the axial center plane CP of the annular rim body 30 is inclinedrelative to the print reference plane 42A of the non-contact printer 42.The position of the non-contact printer 42 can be adjusted relative tothe annular rim body 30 with an adjustment structure (not shown) afterthe inclining of the annular rim body 30.

As seen in FIG. 10, the printing method comprises rotating the annularrim body 30 relative to the non-contact printer 42 about the rotationalaxis A2 with the rotational actuator 60 (step S3). In this embodiment,the rim holder 52 is continuously rotated relative to the base structure62 about the rotational axis A2 with the rotational actuator 60 by 360degrees. Thus, the annular rim body 30 is continuously rotated relativeto the non-contact printer 42 about the rotational axis A2 with therotational actuator 60 by 360 degrees. However, the annular rim body 30can be intermittently rotated relative to the non-contact printer 42about the rotational axis A2 with the rotational actuator 60.

As seen in FIG. 10, the printing method comprises printing thenon-contact printed deposit to the annular rim body 30 with thenon-contact printer 42 during a rotational movement of the annular rimbody 30 (step S4). Specifically, the printing of the non-contact printeddeposit includes depositing ink on the first side portion 16 of theannular rim body 30 with the non-contact printer 42 during therotational movement of the annular rim body 30 (step S41). In thisembodiment, the non-contact printer 42 deposits ink on the first sideportion 16 of the annular rim body 30 based on the target image untilthe annular rim body 30 is rotated by 360 degrees. The printer head 46is stationary relative to the printer housing 44 and the base structure62 in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, since the annular rim body 30 and the non-contactprinter 42 are inclined relative to each other in the step S2, theprinting of the non-contact printing deposit includes printing thenon-contact printed deposit to the annular rim body 30 with thenon-contact printer 42 of the annular rim body 30 in a state where theannular rim body 30 and the non-contact printer 42 are inclined relativeto each other.

As seen in FIG. 10, the printing method comprises stopping rotating theannular rim body 30 (step S5) and stopping depositing ink from thenon-contact printer 42 (step S6).

The second non-contact printed deposit 36 is printed on the second sideportion 18 of the annular rim body 30 in the same method as the abovemethod. Thus, it will not be described in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

Modifications

In the first embodiment, the first non-contact printed deposit 32 isspaced apart from the second non-contact printed deposit 36.Specifically, the first inner periphery 32B of the first non-contactprinted deposit 32 is spaced apart from the second inner periphery 36Bof the second non-contact printed deposit 36. The first non-contactprinted deposit 32 and the second non-contact printed deposit 36 do notreach the axial center plane CP. As seen in FIG. 11, however, at leastone of the first non-contact printed deposit 32 and the secondnon-contact printed deposit 36 can reach the axial center plane CP. InFIG. 11, the first non-contact printed deposit 32 and the secondnon-contact printed deposit 36 reach the axial center plane CP. Thefirst inner periphery 32B of the first non-contact printed deposit 32coincides with the second inner periphery 36B of the second non-contactprinted deposit 36. In this modification, the first tangential line TL1and the second tangential line TL2 can be substantially parallel to therotational center axis A1 of the bicycle rim 10. Namely, the firstsurface angle TA1 and the second surface angle TA2 can be equal to 90degrees if the first non-contact printed deposit 32 and the secondnon-contact printed deposit 36 reach the axial center plane CP.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement,” and the temi “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be usedinterchangeably herein.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.All of numerical values described in the present application can beconstrued as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately.”

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle rim printing apparatus comprising: anon-contact printer to print a non-contact printed deposit to an annularrim body; a rim holder to hold the annular rim body; and a rotationalactuator to rotate the rim holder relative to the non-contact printerabout a rotational axis.
 2. The bicycle rim printing apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising a base structure, wherein the non-contactprinter is attached to the base structure to print the non-contactprinted deposit to the annular rim body.
 3. The bicycle rim printingapparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a pivot structurepivotally coupling one of the rotational actuator and the non-contactprinter to the base structure about a pivot axis non-parallel to therotational axis.
 4. A printing method of printing a non-contact printeddeposit on an annular rim body, the printing method comprising: rotatingthe annular rim body relative to a non-contact printer about arotational axis with a rotational actuator; and printing the non-contactprinted deposit to the annular rim body with the non-contact printerduring a rotational movement of the annular rim body.
 5. The printingmethod according to claim 4, further comprising inclining one of theannular rim body and the non-contact printer relative to the other ofthe annular rim body and the non-contact printer, wherein the printingof the non-contact printing deposit includes printing the non-contactprinted deposit to the annular rim body with the non-contact printer ina state where the annular rim body and the non-contact printer areinclined relative to each other.